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Many of the times this show has come up in random threads, someone has requested an official place to discuss episodes. I'm not sure if Maddox has a big enough audience on on GAF to sustain a long-running thread, but we'll take a stab at it...........

http://thebiggestproblemintheuniverse.com/
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FAQ

What is the premise of this show?
The Biggest Problem in the Universe is a comedy podcast, hosted by longtime internet personality Maddox. Maddox and his guests bring in problems that society faces, then they discuss and debate those problems. After the release of each episode, listeners can vote on the importance or validity of each problem. For 75+ episodes, a master list of the highest and lowest rated problems has been generated.

Uhhhhh, some of these topics don't really seem like problems?
First of all, don't preface your statements or questions with "Uhhhh". That's such a dipshit way to talk down to someone or be facetious. But yes, sometimes huge big-picture societal problems get talked about. Other times tiny, miniscule self-centered problems get discussed. Sometimes problems are brought in purely for the reason that they allow the guest/host to tell a funny story. This isn't Nightline or Meet the Press. The Biggest Problem in the Universe is mostly guys (and occaisionally girls) bullshitting with each other, venting about stuff, and (most importantly) busting each other's balls. No other show so accurately represents the feeling of just drinking, sitting around, and laughing it up with all your ridiculous friends.

78 episodes and counting.....yeesh, where do I start?
Well, the show isn't really heavy on continuity but if you want to get all the callbacks and joke references that get made you should probably start somewhere around Episode 15-20. While the subjects discussed are sometimes topical or related to current events, most episodes are pretty timeless and you can jump in almost anywhere. If you are just looking for a good episode to try for a start, I would suggest Episode 69 - The Sex Episode. The just-released Episode 78 is also a pretty solid sampler of what The Biggest Problem has to offer, though people seem a little hit or miss on the Dating Advice Girl that came in as guest.

Episode 67 is a pretty good place to start if you are a little concerned that Maddox might be too abrasive for you. It's about as fuzzy and "feel-good" as an episode will ever get. On one of the topics ("Self-Defeating Thoughts") Maddox discusses a long period of being depressed and overweight, and reveals how he got over it. You won't be moved to tears or anything, but if you're just getting started it might be nice to know that the most polarizing asshole-ish host is a regular human being and not just a non-stop anger machine.

So, should I take these guys seriously?
Good god, no. Do your own research before you start sharing or taking up their opinions, because often times topics are poorly researched or presented in a one-sided fashion. Due to the adversarial nature of discussion though, most of the times someone will get called out if they are shamelessly trying to sell bullshit. And before you get completely offended by a host's particular comment, try to keep in mind that most of the time they are playing up a persona.

I used to read Maddox's page all the time when I was younger, but now that I've really grown up......
Please go find someone who cares about your journey to maturity.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Maddox - The Misanthropic Blowhard
This best-selling author and balding game show host has an unending pit of rage residing within his black heart, and he can tap into it at will. It's often difficult to believe the many innocuous things that set him completely off (French bread?), and more often than not his co-hosts and listeners become targets of his ire. Ceaselessly stubborn and often unable to admit fault or error, Maddox walks the line between being the firebrand who speaks truth and being your stick-in-the-mud asshole friend who won't stop complaining when everyone else just wants to have a good time.

Dick Masterson - The Loveable Sleazebag
With his terrible attitude towards women, frequent libertarian agenda, and often contrarian stance towards Maddox, you'd think that Dick would be the show's villain. But more often than not, this tiny-faced weasel is its savior. His more laid back nature and everyday wisdom end up being an interesting foil to Maddox's stick-up-the-ass hardline stances. More importantly, he knows exactly how to push Maddox's buttons and induce the guy into a sincere rage that's absolutely hilarious. He also happens to have a knack for ferreting out the strange unexplainable gaps in Maddox's knowledge (such as the fact that in 30 years he never learned the difference between a tampon and a maxi-pad). Dick is insistent that the show is a competition, and frequently gloats when his problems get the most votes.

Sean - The Audio Engineer
You'll only rarely hear from him since Sean spends most of his time making sure the recording of each episode turns out well. But when he does speak up, it's almost certain to be a well-placed barb aimed at Maddox or Dick. Sean's claim to fame is that he once deleted an entire 90 minute episode before it could be sent out to listeners, thus requiring all participants to come in and re-do the whole thing. Though this happened probably 50 episodes ago, his error is still mentioned to this day.

Asterios Kokkinos a.k.a. Boisterous Cocconuts a.k.a. The Sneaky Greek
This New York comedian isn't a very frequent guest to The Biggest Problem, but he has become an important and frequent contributor of pre-recorded news segments. Because Maddox and Dick often try to front as though they're living a California high-life full of liquor and women, Asterios is often a good contrast since he never presents himself as more than an unconfident, overweight funny guy just trying to eke out a living. Out of all show regulars, he has the best voice and is probably the most consistently funny and sincere.





Finally, a game for longtime listeners to play and a preview of what first time listeners are in for.....
....if you haven't hit "BINGO" after an hour, you probably aren't listening to The Biggest Problem In the Universe.

 

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I forgot that I created this thread some months ago -- I guess I just made it at the wrong time of day or wrong time of year to get a community going here. With the speed of the Off Topic forum I guess it's kinda hard for any podcast with a small listener-ship to get a lot of traction on NeoGAF. I probably should have given it a few bumps so the right people might see it on the front page, but oh well.

At any rate though, I'm giving the thread a final bump just to note that the show has abruptly ended today, with the new episode suddenly being announced as a final episode. It's probably not worth making a new thread over.

This feels like such a nasty gutpunch. I've listened to and loved a lot of shows over the years -- GFW Radio, 1Up Yours, Gametrailers' GT Time, A Life Well Wasted, Idle Thumbs, etc. When those programs died the writing was clearly on the wall anyway -- their host websites were beleaguered for years prior, and we all knew that the other shoe could drop at a moment's notice.

That's why this sudden cancellation is so rough, as it seemingly comes out of nowhere. To make matters worse, it seems like it's clearly the result of a fallout between the two co-hosts. Dick is not present for the final episode, and he receives no thanks or recognition. Short of one of the participants dying, I couldn't think of a worse way for any ongoing show to end. What a bummer. I suppose there's some outside chance that this is all some kind of dumb prank on the listeners, but Maddox is the type that just seems petulant and assholish to go out like this. I'm going to try and remember the great times and all the laughs these guys gave me over the years, but I'll be damned if this doesn't leave a really sour taste in my mouth.

RIP Biggest Problem in the Universe. If anyone else wants to share their happy memories or their anger/confusion over this bizarre turn of events, feel free to.

 

[TemplaerDude]

I never knew he had a podcast. To be honest, it's really the only way a show like this could have gone out. Guess it's a good time to listen!

 

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I never knew he had a podcast. To be honest, it's really the only way a show like this could have gone out. Guess it's a good time to listen!

Definitely give it a shot. I'm not sure if it's worth listening to from the very beginning, but all of the mid-to-late era episodes are good. There are enough callbacks to previous jokes and episodes though that you might want to start in the early era and work forward.

My only consolation in this affair is that I never listened to the first couple dozen episodes, or any of the Bonus Episodes they sold at $2 a pop. So at the very least I've got 20-30 hours of content to still enjoy, and when I'm through with that I'll have a spare 90 minutes in my schedule to start listening to a new show.

 

[PAULINK]

Jesus christ, I've been backlogged and have been a little behind on episodes, but to see Dick post about this on facebook makes me feel sad. I could feel there was a little more tension than usual in these latest episodes... but shrugged it off and assumed it was the same old same old.

I hope I can still purchase the bonus episodes for season 2.

Man, just when the show started getting some great characters like Tim Changzzzzz, going to miss it a lot.


just read that Dick did not quit, implying he was let go.

 

[Zepp Twofist]

I didn't even bother listening to the latest episode. I wonder what happened between them when Maddox not only doesn't mention Dick for the entire last episode, but also makes a point to give thanks to everyone else in the show notes.

There is a bunch of conspiracy theories on /r/biggestproblem but most of them are based on people creating elaborate narratives from cherry picked comments they have made in the show over the past two years.

I don't see myself following maddox on his new podcast network thing though. I might have started listening because of him, but he was not at all the reason why I kept listening.

 

[andrerobot]

He has a podcast!!?? Why didn't anyone tell me about this?

Maddox is my favorite person on the internet… besides Evilore, of course. *wink* *wink*

 

[PAULINK]

He has a podcast!!?? Why didn't anyone tell me about this?

Maddox is my favorite person on the internet… besides Evilore, of course. *wink* *wink*

You owe it to yourself to start listening, the show was super enjoyable and very easy to binge.

I'm contemplating on re-listening to the series.

 

[Roulette]

My wife listens and enjoys it. She tried to get me to listen and less than five minutes in they were playing morning radio sound effects. In a podcast.

I will not grieve this loss.

 

[ffejeromdiks]

I don't buy any of this cancellation crap for a second, this is Maddox and Dick Masterson we're talking about here, the authors of "I'm better than your children" and "Men are better than women" they're clearly trolling, a stunt to get more buzz around this new podcast network they're launching.

I don't see how someone who has listened to the podcast for 100+ episodes can't see through their act by now lol.

 

[Oblivion]

Maddox is alright. I'll be sure to check this out.

 

[Livingskeletons]

I don't buy any of this cancellation crap for a second, this is Maddox and Dick Masterson we're talking about here, the authors of "I'm better than your children" and "Men are better than women" they're clearly trolling, a stunt to get more buzz around this new podcast network they're launching.

I don't see how someone who has listened to the podcast for 100+ episodes can't see through their act by now lol.

It is kinda weird and rather abrupt to end it like this, but I'm not sure its fake.

I'll gladly be wrong though its easily my favorite podcast. The dynamic between Maddox & Dick is one of a kind. Throw in Sean plus guests into the insanity and its amazing. Plus it has some of the best listener feedback in the podcast medium. Some of those voicemails are works of art.

 

[Livingskeletons]

My wife listens and enjoys it. She tried to get me to listen and less than five minutes in they were playing morning radio sound effects. In a podcast.

I will not grieve this loss.

Vote up ADHD.

 

[ffejeromdiks]

It is kinda weird and rather abrupt to end it like this, but I'm not sure its fake.

I'll gladly be wrong though its easily my favorite podcast. The dynamic between Maddox & Dick is one of a kind. Throw in Sean plus guests into the insanity and its amazing. Plus it has some of the best listener feedback in the podcast medium. Some of those voicemails are works of art.

After letting it sit a few more days yeah, I think it's entirely possible it's for real. Maddox has made a career off of being an asshole, but it's still so out of character for him to end the show so unceremoniously and without a single mention of Dick.

Still hope we're just being trolled though lol, cause I don't think I can handle Maddox without Dick to keep him in check.

 

[MoxManiac]

this can't be happening

 

[PAULINK]

Dick just posted his patreon

https://www.patreon.com/thedickshow?ty=h

 

[Kilrogg]

I really, really hope Maddox and Dick are trolling us hard.

People go on about Maddox being petty, but that's his character. I'm sure the real dude isn't as petty, and he's known for being honest when it comes to work ethics. Surely he would have at least mentioned that he and Dick had gone their separate ways.

Plus, if it was all about pettiness, none of the clips in the last episode would have contained Dick.

Yes I'm trying to convince myself, because I really can't imagine what happened, and I hope to God nothing actually happened and this is just a way to make a big announcement about Dick being on the podcast network or something.

We should know by Wednesday.

 

[Neverfade]

Plus, if it was all about pettiness, none of the clips in the last episode would have contained Dick.

Sure, but Maddox didn't even give so much as a 'Thank You' those last Dick-less episodes. He literally didn't even mention his name outside of the clips. Pretty shitty any way you cut it.

 

[Septimus Prime]

I usually like Maddox's stuff, but I just couldn't get into this podcast. I tried a few episodes, and it's not for me.

 

[Kilrogg]

Sure, but Maddox didn't even give so much as a 'Thank You' those last Dick-less episodes. He literally didn't even mention his name outside of the clips. Pretty shitty any way you cut it.

That's my point. If he was being petty all the way, he wouldn't have had clips with Dick on the last episode.

 

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Tuesday morning -- no new Biggest Problem.

Maddox however has launched his new show -- The Best Debate in the Universe, wherein he presents both sides of an issue and debates with himself over it. No co-host, but Sean is there to chime in occasionally.

I will try to give it a spin, but I don't know if I can take 60 minutes of straight Maddox. Both he and Dick absolutely need a foil or co-host to keep things light and call them out. I fear both their shows will be woefully unbalanced.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Tuesday morning -- no new Biggest Problem.

Maddox however has launched his new show -- The Best Debate in the Universe, wherein he presents both sides of an issue and debates with himself over it. No co-host, but Sean is there to chime in occasionally.

I will try to give it a spin, but I don't know if I can take 60 minutes of straight Maddox. Both he and Dick absolutely need a foil or co-host to keep things light and call them out. I fear both their shows will be woefully unbalanced.

Classic Maddox.

 

[chaobreaker]

Wait, you mean that Dick Masterson who became a small internet meme after coming to that daytime talk show to talk shit about women? Damn, why was Maddox hanging with that guy?

 

[PAULINK]

Tuesday morning -- no new Biggest Problem.

Maddox however has launched his new show -- The Best Debate in the Universe, wherein he presents both sides of an issue and debates with himself over it. No co-host, but Sean is there to chime in occasionally.

I will try to give it a spin, but I don't know if I can take 60 minutes of straight Maddox. Both he and Dick absolutely need a foil or co-host to keep things light and call them out. I fear both their shows will be woefully unbalanced.

jesus christ lmao

 

[Dylan Sexbang]

Wasn't expecting to see this thread on Neogaf. Man, I was bummed last week- but I backed The Dick Show last night. I don't know if I can do the Beat Debate, Maddox is gonna need guests. I liked him, but he needs to bounce off someone.

By the way, first Episode of The Dick Show is up. He explains what happened to biggest problem.

 

[PAULINK]

If anything, this just means we'll get a double dose of maddox and Dick each week, which I'm cool with.

 

[Sibersk Esto]

Tuesday morning -- no new Biggest Problem.

Maddox however has launched his new show -- The Best Debate in the Universe, wherein he presents both sides of an issue and debates with himself over it. No co-host, but Sean is there to chime in occasionally.

I will try to give it a spin, but I don't know if I can take 60 minutes of straight Maddox. Both he and Dick absolutely need a foil or co-host to keep things light and call them out. I fear both their shows will be woefully unbalanced.

I am...skeptical of this

Wait, you mean that Dick Masterson who became a small internet meme after coming to that daytime talk show to talk shit about women? Damn, why was Maddox hanging with that guy?

It's not like Maddox is innocent of the whole "man's man, women should stay in the kitchen" character.

 

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Wasn't expecting to see this thread on Neogaf. Man, I was bummed last week- but I backed The Dick Show last night. I don't know if I can do the Beat Debate, Maddox is gonna need guests. I liked him, but he needs to bounce off someone.

By the way, first Episode of The Dick Show is up. He explains what happened to biggest problem.

Where is the episode? Not seeing any link on his patreon, but I am on mobile right now.

 

[Sibersk Esto]

Where is the episode? Not seeing any link on his patreon, but I am on mobile right now.

http://thedickshow.com/

 

[Madrin]

Wow I wasn't expecting the two of them to come back with their own shows so quickly. Even though I loved The Biggest Problem, I don't know if I can bring myself to listen to a straight hour of just Maddox.

 

[Snowman Prophet of Doom]

Jesus, the only thing that really "worked" about the original podcast, which I wasn't a big fan of but listened to occasionally when bored because masculine bullshitting and oneupsmanship is something I don't get much in my day-to-day life, was how different the two hosts were, and how there was an energy and a tension there because of it. Maddox arguing in a room by himself is certainly NOT my idea of a good listening experience.

 

[Septimus Prime]

His new show doesn't seem to be on Pocket Casts yet.

 

[Vanish]

To this day, this has been the only podcast I fully enjoyed. Such a shame to see it end this way. I wish there was more of an explanation. As it stands, Maddox seems like a real asshole for not at least thanking Dick in the last episode and not giving a basic explanation to the fans about what happened and why the show is suddenly ending. I see Maddox and Dick came out with their own individual podcast. I'll give them both a chance but I don't think it'll be as good as the two of them working together on the biggest problem

 

[PezDispenser]

As I'm sure most of us could have predicted, TBPitU was much greater than the sum of its parts (at least so far). The perfect combination of personalities that endlessly and spontaneously drove each other up the wall over literally anything, the brilliant format that ignited all the chaos and led to the cultivation of one of the most hilarious, talented and all around awesome fanbases to ever exist.. it was lightning in a bottle.

Dick's first episode was better than Maddox's (likely because Dick seems to have a much better understanding of the above...) but I hope they both become worthwhile over time.

Although I still hope even more that they somehow get over their differences and return to the biggest problem, even if it's only once a month or so and they keep their individual shows. Many of the most ardent Dick Heads who were livid with Maddox this past week, were able to admit that they ended up missing Maddox's presence on Dick's show. There was an incredibly unique chemistry there that will never be replicated, and it sucks to think that it's gone forever.

 

[Shadybiz]

My only consolation in this affair is that I never listened to the first couple dozen episodes, or any of the Bonus Episodes they sold at $2 a pop. So at the very least I've got 20-30 hours of content to still enjoy, and when I'm through with that I'll have a spare 90 minutes in my schedule to start listening to a new show.

Same here; I came in around episode 50 or so, so I've at least got a bunch that I can still listen to.

Damn shame; this was one of the few podcasts that I would listen to religiously. I will probably give Maddox's new one a shot, but like others have said, I'm not sure if I can do a straight hour of just him talking...same would go for a purely Dick show, too.

 

[border]

Wait, you mean that Dick Masterson who became a small internet meme after coming to that daytime talk show to talk shit about women? Damn, why was Maddox hanging with that guy?

I don't know much about Dick's Dr. Phil appearance, except that it was largely meant as some kind of massive troll -- an attempt to see how fucking ridiculous he could be and still get put on TV as authentic, as well as have a laugh about it. In some sense it was just meant to prove that Dr. Phil is no better than any other daytime garbage show, and that they would put anyone on without vetting them at all. They never at any point picked up that he was an LA-based comedian/actor.....or if they did they didn't even care so long as he was willing to say outrageous things.

That said, while Dick is playing up a persona I don't think he has attitudes that are really that great towards women. But at the same time he feels more like "your asshole friend" than some virulent misogynist. There's a reason why I tagged him as "The Loveable Sleazebag" in my OT OP. Why is Maddox hanging out with him? Because the show is kinda meant to be a powderkeg of anger, emotion, and male bravado. Bringing on a pretty outspoken asshole as co-host is just a part of that.

 

[Livingskeletons]

After letting it sit a few more days yeah, I think it's entirely possible it's for real. Maddox has made a career off of being an asshole, but it's still so out of character for him to end the show so unceremoniously and without a single mention of Dick.

Still hope we're just being trolled though lol, cause I don't think I can handle Maddox without Dick to keep him in check.

Look likes there is still hope after all:https://i.redd.it/aw76nhmpia6x.jpg

From reddit and it looks legit:https://www.reddit.com/r/biggestproblem/comments/4qhsg5/reconciliation_hope/

 

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After 4 weeks of both competing shows, I have to say that they are mostly in a good position provided that they always have good co-hosts. The premise of Best Debate in the Universe sounds absolutely terrible, but so long as there's other lively people in the studio to give Maddox a hard time I think it will be fine. The downside is that Maddox insists on making it topical and it looks like he's not really interested in doing much beyond cursory research and the co-hosts are doing little-to-no research. Listening to them blather on about Brexit was tiresome this week.

The Dick Show is on slightly more shaky ground because Dick just seems to think he needs a co-host that is angry, when it's more than he needs a foil who will prod him and call him out on bullshit and aggravate him a bit. That one episode with the guy from the Dad-oriented podcast was terrible. Two dudes just having a misogynist jerk off about how things used to be so much better when men built cars and spaceships, and women only want to make flower arrangements. I hope to God that guy never becomes a permanent host.

Are Dick and Maddox getting back together? As petty and unforgiving as Maddox has always shown himself to be, I have to say that I highly doubt it. The JPG from the Reddit seems like fan fiction to me, and the person who posted it seems to admit that it's some kind of sitcom-like scheme to get them to meet up and talk things out. Like The Parent Trap, but with two huge assholes instead of angry parents.

 

[Deleted member 1159]

Eh, after hearing both new shows, I think I'll stick with both. It sounds like Maddox is being petty about everything, but I can also see Dick wearing thin on me over years of friendship. Maddox's last episode was probably the best yet, he started off with like zero momentum, but I think I enjoy listening to Dick more. I'm glad Sean is getting more airtime and commentary in.

I threw in for the $5 patreon to get Dick's bonus episode, it was pretty fascinating hearing about Dr. Phil behind the scenes.

P.S. I got into a little twitter war with Maddox when he claimed Winamp only used 32k of memory on one of their bonus episodes. The way he dodged and weaved when I showed him it was 32MB and thus he was wrong (and any programmer would know that right away) just kind of revealed how insufferable being around someone like that in real life, where they'll go to any pedantic lengths to be right all the time. I get that he's a character, but I think he's drawing on a lot of true personality traits down there. Dick mentioned it briefly on the follow up episode, so I'm famous GAF. Enjoyable content regardless.

 

[Kilrogg]

So, erm, yeah, huge update, and we're gonna have to have that talk.

For those who haven't been following the drama, the mysterious break-up between Maddox and Dick Masterson is losing its mystery in an ugly way.

For a time, people would only get Dick's side. He would go on rants about Maddox's behavior on his new podcast The Dick Show, while Maddox would just stay quiet. For instance, he would claim that Maddox released the Biggest Solution in the Universe episodes - the sister podcast, which you had to buy - for free without asking him if he was okay with that. He also claims that Maddox is preventing people who want to be a guest on his new show from appearing on Dick's - basically he makes them pick sides -, which seems to be true with the sole exception of Sean who still works on both show as an audio engineer/cohost of sorts. That's why you haven't heard Tim Changzzz and Asterios "Boisterous Coconuts" Kokkinos on either show in a long while. I assume that's also why Robin Higgins has been a no-show as of late.

Yesterday though, Maddox finally addressed the topic by way of a 3-minute-long, unlisted, comment-disabled YouTube video entitled "What really happened to The Biggest Problem in the Universe": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeW4m76E7S0

In it, he says that he found an online conversation between Dick and someone else where Dick basically said he was only doing the show for the fans and the money and that he couldn't stand Maddox. The video also claims that Dick's behavior towards money and accounts was shady, that he lies on a number of subjects, and that he is a victim-blaming rape apologists, as shown by a short edited-out snippet of the old show.

Meanwhile, Asterios has been doxxed by Maddox's girlfriend, and, again, was apparently pressured by Maddox into not working with Dick. Fortunately for him, the doxxing turned into a show of support from his own fans, who donated money to him. Right now, Asterios is clearly on Dick's "side", though his Twitter account seems to mostly make fun of the drama as a whole. I have to agree with him: I want the both of them to fight it out. Also, claims of Maddox being on the spectrum are being thrown here and there. Fun times.

Asterios's doxxing is being talked about on today's Dick Show episode, though I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet. http://thedickshow.com/episode-17/
Dick says he'll be breaking down Maddox's video in next week's episode.

Me? I think both Maddox and Dick have points but are also probably disingenuous/shitty to each other in some regards. It's hard to know without knowing them personally. Maddox's out of context cherry-picking of quotes from Dick could have disastrous applications - you don't just throw out accusations like being a rape apologists lightly, you have to be thorough -, and I wouldn't be surprised if Dick was indeed shifty when it comes to money. He's always been reluctant to talk about it. Still, I wish they could just make up like adults, or at least talk to each other directly and have one good fight to end the feud in peace or blood. Oh well, at least the drama is entertaining.

Sean is the one true beacon of light in this whole mess. Blessed be Sativa Sean.

 

[Rest]

So, erm, yeah, huge update, and we're gonna have to have that talk.

For those who haven't been following the drama, the mysterious break-up between Maddox and Dick Masterson is losing its mystery in an ugly way.

For a time, people would only get Dick's side. He would go on rants about Maddox's behavior on his new podcast The Dick Show, while Maddox would just stay quiet. For instance, he would claim that Maddox released the Biggest Solution in the Universe episodes - the sister podcast, which you had to buy - for free without asking him if he was okay with that. He also claims that Maddox is preventing people who want to be a guest on his new show from appearing on Dick's - basically he makes them pick sides -, which seems to be true with the sole exception of Sean who still works on both show as an audio engineer/cohost of sorts. That's why you haven't heard Tim Changzzz and Asterios "Boisterous Coconuts" Kokkinos on either show in a long while. I assume that's also why Robin Higgins has been a no-show as of late.

Yesterday though, Maddox finally addressed the topic by way of a 3-minute-long, unlisted, comment-disabled YouTube video entitled "What really happened to The Biggest Problem in the Universe": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeW4m76E7S0

In it, he says that he found an online conversation between Dick and someone else where Dick basically said he was only doing the show for the fans and the money and that he couldn't stand Maddox. The video also claims that Dick's behavior towards money and accounts was shady, that he lies on a number of subjects, and that he is a victim-blaming rape apologists, as shown by a short edited-out snippet of the old show.

Meanwhile, Asterios has been doxxed by Maddox's girlfriend, and, again, was apparently pressured by Maddox into not working with Dick. Fortunately for him, the doxxing turned into a show of support from his own fans, who donated money to him. Right now, Asterios is clearly on Dick's "side", though his Twitter account seems to mostly make fun of the drama as a whole. I have to agree with him: I want the both of them to fight it out. Also, claims of Maddox being on the spectrum are being thrown here and there. Fun times.

Asterios's doxxing is being talked about on today's Dick Show episode, though I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet. http://thedickshow.com/episode-17/
Dick says he'll be breaking down Maddox's video in next week's episode.

Me? I think both Maddox and Dick have points but are also probably disingenuous/shitty to each other in some regards. It's hard to know without knowing them personally. Maddox's out of context cherry-picking of quotes from Dick could have disastrous applications - you don't just throw out accusations like being a rape apologists lightly, you have to be thorough -, and I wouldn't be surprised if Dick was indeed shifty when it comes to money. He's always been reluctant to talk about it. Still, I wish they could just make up like adults, or at least talk to each other directly and have one good fight to end the feud in peace or blood. Oh well, at least the drama is entertaining.

Sean is the one true beacon of light in this whole mess. Blessed be Sativa Sean.

Dick Masterson is this dickhead? I can't believe Maddox hung out with that guy. That guy takes his worldview and hides it behind a thin veil of "satire," I can say I'm glad that Maddox won't be making content with him any more.

 

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I used to be on Dick's side and was way more excited for The Dick Show than Best Debate, but god damn has Dick's program been pretty insufferable lately. I think he has pretty much become the awful person he was pretending to be (or maybe he was never pretending). In the OP I described him as "the lovable scumbag", but it seems like now he's just a scumbag.

Worse though, he has failed to understand that what drove Biggest Problem was not rage, but conflict between him and his co-host. But for The Dick Show he at best brings on guests who refuse to call him out on his bullshit and at worst he invites on people that outright agree with his nonsense. It's just an echo-chamber for his cockamaimie ill-informed obsessions, misogyny, and crazed Trump-love. The episodes with the Mr. Velvet are the worst, since you know it's going to be a bunch of go-nowhere bitching about how men aren't manly enough any more because we don't do woodworking or build cars. Last week's episode had no guest, and it was basically Sean agreeing with Dick for an hour straight.

Maddox has an absolutely insufferable personality, but Best Debate works better because there's still conflict at the heart of it. Rucka Rucka is great at calling out Maddox and making either him look stupid or go ballistic. Maddox does kind of a shitty job at picking topics though. Shameful that he basically abandoned the show's format for the Apple/iPhone 7 episode because he wanted to talk shit about iPhones for 30 minutes but couldn't be bothered to defend iPhones for even 5 minutes. If there's another "Is xxxxxxx censhorship?" or "Does xxxxxxx restrict free speech?" episode I am deleting it immediately.

In short, I miss Biggest Problem in the Universe. Best Debate is finding its legs, and doing way better than I thought it would. As for The Dick Show, I may stop tuning in if I don't care for the weekly guest. I will be back to hear his meltdown when Trump loses miserably in November, though.

 

[Future]

Dick Masterson is this dickhead? I can't believe Maddox hung out with that guy. That guy takes his worldview and hides it behind a thin veil of "satire," I can say I'm glad that Maddox won't be making content with him any more.

So is that a joke persona or what?

 

[Jharp]

So is that a joke persona or what?

Yes, it's obviously a joke persona. The guy has had feminists on his current podcast.

How fucking thick do you need to be to not realize that's pure satire? Dick regularly talks about how hard he had to sell the bullshit just to get on the show. The entire thing was a joke on Dr. Phil, Dr. Phil's audience, and an attempt to market his book, which is also a joke.

Jesus tap dancing christ.

 

[Jharp]

Sean is the one true beacon of light in this whole mess. Blessed be Sativa Sean.

Ttschaaunn knows all. He is all.

 

[Kilrogg]

Dick Masterson is this dickhead? I can't believe Maddox hung out with that guy. That guy takes his worldview and hides it behind a thin veil of "satire," I can say I'm glad that Maddox won't be making content with him any more.

It's a character. I mean there's obviously a kernel of sincerity in it, as Dick is hardly a feminist, but the Dick of Men are better than women is a waaaay amped up version of the real Dick - Dick Masterson isn't even his real name, by the way.

I used to be on Dick's side and was way more excited for The Dick Show than Best Debate, but god damn has Dick's program been pretty insufferable lately. I think he has pretty much become the awful person he was pretending to be (or maybe he was never pretending). In the OP I described him as "the lovable scumbag", but it seems like now he's just a scumbag.

Worse though, he has failed to understand that what drove Biggest Problem was not rage, but conflict between him and his co-host. But for The Dick Show he at best brings on guests who refuse to call him out on his bullshit and at worst he invites on people that outright agree with his nonsense. It's just an echo-chamber for his cockamaimie ill-informed obsessions, misogyny, and crazed Trump-love. The episodes with the Mr. Velvet are the worst, since you know it's going to be a bunch of go-nowhere bitching about how men aren't manly enough any more because we don't do woodworking or build cars. Last week's episode had no guest, and it was basically Sean agreeing with Dick for an hour straight.

Maddox has an absolutely insufferable personality, but Best Debate works better because there's still conflict at the heart of it. Rucka Rucka is great at calling out Maddox and making either him look stupid or go ballistic. Maddox does kind of a shitty job at picking topics though. Shameful that he basically abandoned the show's format for the Apple/iPhone 7 episode because he wanted to talk shit about iPhones for 30 minutes but couldn't be bothered to defend iPhones for even 5 minutes. If there's another "Is xxxxxxx censhorship?" or "Does xxxxxxx restrict free speech?" episode I am deleting it immediately.

In short, I miss Biggest Problem in the Universe. Best Debate is finding its legs, and doing way better than I thought it would. As for The Dick Show, I may stop tuning in if I don't care for the weekly guest. I will be back to hear his meltdown when Trump loses miserably in November, though.

Mostly agree with you, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who found episodes like the one with Mr. Velvet horrible. The concept of the show itself is wonky. A search for a new cohost? What? It's a shame Tim Changzzz can't be on the show, though I have a feeling he would probably work better as Mr. Bust-Maddox's-balls than Dick's cohost. He used to have Robin Higgins, which was good to counter his macho bravado. Too bad she hasn't been on for a while.

Still, I can't help but think this whole break up isn't just Dick's fault or just Maddox's. It's a bit of both. And I don't like how Maddox presents himself as this paragon of logic and clever logical fallacy destroyer when he's just as prone to logical fallacies as his guests. Still like his podcast better as of now because Rucka busts his balls well, and his guest have been exceptionally good at calling him out these past few episodes but I gotta be honest: it's starting to lose steam with me. The Dick Show is starting to become annoying, while Best Debate is becoming boring.

Basically, yeah, I miss The Biggest Problem too.

[EDIT] My fear is that Sean might not appear on Maddox's podcast anymore. In last week's episode of Dick's podcast he was on the verge of taking Dick's side on a conversation about Maddox, and I'm worried that Maddox, if the allegations are true, is going to threaten him to cut him out of the show if he continues.

 

[Rest]

So is that a joke persona or what?

It's a real persona that he tries to sell as a joke.
Watch this for some proof.

Honestly, I really always liked Maddox. I didn't mind so much that he hangs out with Tucker Max. Dick though Max may be, he actually seems to have some level of respect for other people. That he was friends with this guy though... It leaves my image of him tarnished.

 

[Sibersk Esto]

Yikes that is some real bad stuff

 

[Deleted member 1159]

I miss biggest problem too, but Dick is clearly the more intelligent and balanced individual of the two. I see his show as sort of a safe space (hah) of saying the most base and unfiltered first thoughts that come to a man, not that that's putting your best foot forward. If you're not taking it seriously and go back to normal afterward then it's just in good fun.

That said, some of the fans are way the fuck out of line with their alt right bullshit, and seeing his latest episode live you can tell Dick is trying to reel them back in because this shit is seriously starting to affect his and Maddox's personal lives.

He goes through the video and honestly, he probably made some mistakes and was acting douchey to Maddox because toward the end they weren't friends anymore. That's how shit goes, whatever, but Maddox's attempt to paint him as a rape apologist is just fucking dishonest and vindictive, and now people are even harassing Dick's mom. It's not a he said she said situation anymore, Maddox is straight up trying to connect Dick to a rape list he knew nothing about and took a statement out of context, when Dick's point was that women shouldn't put themselves in vulnerable situations like becoming incapacitated at a party. Yes, in an ideal world she should be able to do that without fear of becoming a victim of sexual assault, but Dick is trying to say that in the real world you should expect the worst out of people and protect yourself. That's not an apology for rape or the perpetrator, it's common fucking sense.

This dishonest attack is bullshit and I hope it blows up in Maddox's face. I'm done listening to anything he does anymore.

Here's dick's response unedited from last night https://youtu.be/XhDo7sh4WL4

 

[Kilrogg]

I miss biggest problem too, but Dick is clearly the more intelligent and balanced individual of the two. I see his show as sort of a safe space (hah) of saying the most base and unfiltered first thoughts that come to a man, not that that's putting your best foot forward. If you're not taking it seriously and go back to normal afterward then it's just in good fun.

That said, some of the fans are way the fuck out of line with their alt right bullshit, and seeing his latest episode live you can tell Dick is trying to reel them back in because this shit is seriously starting to affect his and Maddox's personal lives.

He goes through the video and honestly, he probably made some mistakes and was acting douchey to Maddox because toward the end they weren't friends anymore. That's how shit goes, whatever, but Maddox's attempt to paint him as a rape apologist is just fucking dishonest and vindictive, and now people are even harassing Dick's mom. It's not a he said she said situation anymore, Maddox is straight up trying to connect Dick to a rape list he knew nothing about and took a statement out of context, when Dick's point was that women shouldn't put themselves in vulnerable situations like becoming incapacitated at a party. Yes, in an ideal world she should be able to do that without fear of becoming a victim of sexual assault, but Dick is trying to say that in the real world you should expect the worst out of people and protect yourself. That's not an apology for rape or the perpetrator, it's common fucking sense.

This dishonest attack is bullshit and I hope it blows up in Maddox's face. I'm done listening to anything he does anymore.

Here's dick's response unedited from last night https://youtu.be/XhDo7sh4WL4

Thanks for posting the link. I normally don't have access to the vids since you have to be a supporter on Patreon to get the links I think.

*sigh* Can't say any of this surprises me. The mere fact that Maddox was doing a simple video and gave the whole story no more than 4 minutes was enough to tell you his arguments would be full of holes and disingenuousness. It's always more complicated than 4 minutes of drama on YouTube. This is especially shameful and ironic for Maddox of all people, a self-proclaimed advocate of doing your research, looking at the context and generally being as objective and impartial as possible. The more personal/unverifiable shit like the accounts I can't comment on. Much like Sean, I don't want to take a side based on things I'm not privy to. And the thing with the e-mails is probably a bit of good old-fashioned miscommunication/misunderstanding.

You know what saddens me the most about this, in a "it really was that simple and boring in the end, huh" kind of way? The very last part, about episode 77. Assuming it's as Dick says it is - which none of us can verify since we weren't there, Sean wasn't even there it seems, and we don't know what went through Maddox's head -, I fucking knew it.

I knew it was about a girl. Knowing how human relationships work, and knowing what we know of both Maddox and Dick from listening to them for 2 years - one is a stickler for principles and trust, the other is mostly looking out for himself -, it was really likely that a breakup between the two would involve something as banal as jealousy and feelings of betrayal. For all his played up no-nonsense bravado, Maddox seems to be a really sensitive guy at heart. Too sensitive in fact to the point of being naive by the looks of it, and for a cold-blooded satirist like him, again, that's really ironic. It's comforting to know he's still a human, obviously, but it's disappointing how all his principles and intellectual rigor went out the window just because he can't handle his feelings. Again, assuming the thing with his ex-gf is indeed the starting point of all this. But even without that, it also seems like realizing Dick didn't think of him as a friend was the other big reason. Whether it's love or friendship, it's about his feelings being hurt it seems, and the rest is just a pretext to fuel his resentment.

[EDIT] I still want Maddox to respond though. I want to know his side, see if he can be the bigger man.